8/11/2016

FIRE SAFETY Intro Definition and Causes of Fire

2

PRINCIPLES Fire is a rapid oxidation process

accompanied by the evolution
of heat, light, flame and the
emission of sound.

4.0 The Fire Triangle: Fuel (Fire Load)

Three elements - fuel,
oxygen and heat - are
required to start a fire.
The oxidation process
will not be possible
without any one of these
elements. Oxygen (Ventilation) Heat (Ignition)

Intro Classes of Fire

3 Intro Fire Growth
2

Stages
Fire involving: How to Suppress:

Class A: Ordinary combustible Stage 1: Pre-flashover or Involves flaming combustion of an

materials such as wood,
Use Water item and may lead to a spread of
growth phase fire; or a smoldering, poorly-
cloth, paper, rubber and ventilated fire with substantial

plastics, etc.
smoke.

Class B: Flammable or combustible Exclude air from

Stage 2: Flashover Rapid change from a local fire to
one involving all combustible
liquids, flammable gases. burning materials materials in a room.

Class C: Energized electrical No Water; Use electrically
non-conductive
equipment extinguishing agents such
as gaseous systems
Stage 3: Fully developed fire All materials in compartment are
alight; maximum rate of heat
(Stable phase)
release is dependent on either
available ventilation or quantity of
fuel.

Class D: Combustible metals such

as potassium, sodium,
Heat-absorbing
medium which is not Stage 4: Decay (Cooling Gradual consumption of fuel in the

Period)
compartment.
magnesium and other
reactive with
burning metals
reactive metals

Intro Fire Growth

2 Intro Behavior of Fire and Smoke
1

Architectural Intervention
during Fire Growth
Active Fire Protection
Detection, activation and suppression
This graph shows where active and passive
fire protection will play an important part
during the development of fire. Vertical Shaft or Duct
Suspended Ceiling
(Stack Effect)
Passive Fire Protection Ceiling Void
Resistance to heat and flames of fire rated constructions

Temperature Time

Smoke and Flame

likely to re-enter Enclosed Area

Vertical Shaft or Duct

1.00 m

Outlet to
open air

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4

Outlet to Enclosed
adjoining space
Slow rate of Development of heat Load bearing capacity of materials is maintained.
Area
burning and flames Prevention of fire spread to other compartments.
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Intro Fire Spread

2 Intro Fire Spread
Internal Fire Spread due to: External Fire Spread due to:

Through Air Ducts

Through Through Ceiling and

Vertical Collapsed Partitions
Shafts

Origin of Fire

Through Non-Fire
Rated Doors Congested High Fire Load Areas
Internal Fire Spread
between Rooms and Floors

Intro Fire Spread Intro Fire Spread

2

External Fire Spread due to: External Fire Spread due to:

Convection
Ignition of Materials
Currents

Ignition of Materials Ignition of Materials

Ignition of Materials

Origin of Fire
Loss of Integrity of Fire Wall
Proximity of Buildings

Aims in Basic
Fire Safety Design Principles
A To prevent fire
1 Fire Avoidance
2 Fire Detection
B To safeguard the lives of 3 Fire Growth Restriction
occupants and firefighters
4 Fire Containment
C To reduce damage on the 5 Fire Control
building, its contents, and on 6 Smoke Control
7 Escape Provisions
surrounding buildings
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PrincipleFsire Avoidance 1 PrincipleFsire Avoidance 1

Basic 1
Basic 1

Definition & Implication Fire Zoning (eg. Hospitals)

Reducing the possibility of accidental ignition of

construction materials, as well as fittings and 1. Life Risk Areas areas in which all occupants are ambulant and
able to move unaided away from a fire
fixtures. - eg. Outpatient department; Service Zone

For Most Buildings

2. High Fire Risk Areas areas which, due to their function, are
This implies: more usually susceptible to an outbreak of fire, or to a rapid spread of

For Hospitals
fire or smoke.
a. keeping separate heat - eg. Kitchen or Boiler Room
sources and materials which
might ignite readily through 3. High Fire Load Areas areas which, because of their
proper planning and zoning construction or contents, contain large amounts of combustible
materials, thereby constituting a fire load in excess of that normally
b. need to specify materials to found
- eg. Gas Storage, Linen Closets
reduce the risk of fire starting
c. reducing fire load 4. High Life Risk Areas areas in which persons may reside and
are not able to move unaided away from a fire.
- eg. Intensive Care Unit, Operating Department

PrincipleFsire Avoidance1 PrincipleFsire Avoidance 1

Basic Basic 2

Fire Zoning Choice of Materials and Knowledge

on Material Performance
(eg. Hospitals)
LEGEND: 1
LIFE RISK
HIGH LIFE RISK
Concrete Masonry
HIGH FIRE RISK
-high fire resistance - high fire resistance
HIGH FIRE LOAD - disintegrates at 400-500C - cracks at 575C
- holes in concrete will - are subject to high
expose steel structural temperatures during
members manufacture

Steel Calcium Silicate

- does not burn - excellent thermal shock
- may buckle in fire resistance
- high conductivity spreads - up to 1000C
heat - suitable for cladding
- loses half its strength in structural members
550C

Timber Glass
- combustible - standard float, toughened
- little loss of strength and laminated glass panes do
as charcoal formed not provide any fire resistance
insulates wood core - monolithic fire-rated glass is
- spreads flames available

PrincipleFsire Avoidance 1 PrinciplesFire Detection2

Basic 2
Basic
Knowledge on Fire Load Visual Fire Detection
1

the amount of material which is able To visually expose FIRE RISK and FIRE LOAD
to areas to building occupants.
burn and release heat and smoke
In a compartment, limiting fuel will
help reduce the dangers of heat and
smoke.
Lounge
Building contents make up the Patient Room

majority of the fire load, since most Sto

fires start from the ignition of these

contents.
Patient Room
The total amount of fuel in a building, its accessibility to fire
engines, the availability of water, etc. will determine the level
of fire resistance and the maximum size of a building Nurse Station
compartment.
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PrinciplesFire Detection2 PrinciplesFire Detection2

Basic Basic
Visual Fire Detection Mechanical Fire Detection
Makes use of manual and automatic (electric/
electronic) methods of informing the occupants in
charge that a fire has occurred in a given location.

fire-prone areas provide peepholes

should be visually on doors
Fire alarm systems must be
accessible
Heat and smoke alarm systems accessible in all zones especially in
inside Fire Risk and Fire Load fire-prone areas.
areas.

PriFnirceiGprloewRestriction3 PriFnirceiGprloewRestriction3
Basic Basic
sth that the growing fire is extinguished
Aimed at ensuring sthExtinguishers :
Rating of Fire
4

immediately and at providing adequate time for firemen to Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary

arrive, control the fire and evacuate the occupants.

combustibles, such as wood and paper. The numerical rating
for this class of fire extinguisher refers to the amount of water
the fire extinguisher holds and the amount of fire it will

Manual Means of Restricting

extinguish

Fire Growth
5 Class B Extinguishers should be used on fires involving
flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc. The
numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the
approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire
Actively extinguishing or slowing down that a non-expert person can expect to extinguish

the development of a fire before the full

involvement of the room. This is done Class C Extinguishers are suitable for use on electrically
by the rooms local occupants. energized fires. This class of fire extinguishers does not have
a numerical rating. The presence of the letter C indicates that
Means: the extinguishing agent is non-conductive

1. Fire Extinguisher
2. Water Supply
Class D Extinguishers are designed for use on flammable
metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question.

3. Fire Blanket
There is no picture designator for Class D extinguishers.
These extinguishers generally have no rating nor are they
4. Bucket of Sand given a multi-purpose rating for use on other types of fires

PriFnirceiGprloewRestriction3 PriFnirceiGprloewRestriction3
Basic Basic
sthExtinguishers :
Types of Fire
4
sthMechanical Means of
Restricting Fire Growth
6

Dry Chemical extinguishers are usually rated for multiple purpose use. They Sprinkler Specifications:
contain an extinguishing agent and use a compressed, non-flammable gas as a
propellant

Halon extinguishers contain a gas that interrupts the chemical reaction that takes
place when fuels burn. These types of extinguishers are often used to protect
valuable electrical equipment since them leave no residue to clean up. Halon
extinguishers have a limited range, usually 1.2 to 1.8 meters. The initial application
of Halon should be made at the base of the fire, even after the flames have been
extinguished

-Categories: General Use, Institutional,

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are most effective on Class B and C (liquids
and electrical) fires. Since the gas disperses quickly, these extinguishers are only
Residential,Attics, Special Hazards,
effective from 1.0 to 2.4 feet. The carbon dioxide is stored as a compressed liquid in Storage
the extinguisher; as it expands, it cools the surrounding air. The cooling will often Sprinklers can be spaced
cause ice to form around the horn where the gas is expelled from the extinguisher.
Since the fire could re-ignite, continue to apply the agent even after the fire appears
-3 heads: upright, pendent and sidewall from 3.6 to 6.0 meters apart.
-Rated to 175 psi
to be out
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PrincipFlieres Containment4
Basic Basic
PrincipFleires
Containment
Definition and Implication
4
Assumes that measures to control a growing fire Definition
Concepts of Fire Compartmentation
Objectives
2

may not be successful, hence its maximum size -To limit fire and smoke spread
needs to be restricted both to reduce the risk Containing fire- -To allow longer escape time
and to allow effective firefighting. prone areas by -To reduce the maximum potential size of the fire
Extend CHB means of fire-
This implies:
resistive
walls up to
slab
1. Fire cladding of structural components to ensure stability
of structural frames.
enclosures
Room
2. The use of fire-rated walls and slabs to contain fire in
rooms, sub-compartments and compartments so as to Sub-Compartment

segregate areas where fire may occur. Compartment

Provide 1 m. 3. Others: Fire-Rated

ledge to prevent Surface
- plugging all holes; extending CHB walls up to the slab;
Compartment
spread of fire
- providing a 1-meter ledge to prevent fire from creeping up The more combustible the contents of a building, the
exterior walls into the floor above through windows. Sizes smaller the compartment should be.
Joints must be filled with non-combustible materials
to prevent the spread of smoke or flame.

PrincipFlieres Containment4 PrincipFlieres Containment4

Basic Basic
Concepts of Fire Compartmentation Fire Rating of Construction Systems
3

Concrete Masonry Wall Units

LEGEND:
Department 2 Hour 4 Hour

Rooms
4 6

Gypsum Walls
1 Hour 2 Hour

Wood Steel Wood Steel

-One layer 12mm type X -One layer 16mm type X

veneer base nailed to each
side of 50mmX100mm wood
studs 400mm O.C.
gypsum wallboard or veneer
base applied to each side of
40mm metal studs 600mm
O.C.
-Two layers 16mm type X gypsum -Two layers 16mm type X gypsum
wallboard or veneer base applied wallboard or veneer base applied
to each side of 50mmx100mm to each side of 62mm metal studs
wood studs 600mm O.C. 400mm O.C.

PrincipFlieres Containment4 PrincipFlieres Containment4

Basic Basic
Fire Rating of Construction Systems Fire Rating of Construction Systems
3 3

Ceiling Systems Door Openings For 1.2m X 3.0m single hollow metal doors (ga.20 steel face), with
labeled single-point or 3-point latching hardware, steel hinges or pivots
1 Hour 2 Hour 3 Hour
1 Hour 2 Hour 3 Hour

125mm
min

1.370m 0.83m
max max

12mm gypsum wallboard 12mm gypsum wallboard STEEL

applied to drywall resilient
furring channels 600mm O.C.
and nailed to wood joists
400mm O.C. Wood joists
supporting 25mm T&G finish
floor.
RUNNERS
applied to drywall furring 12mm
3-16mm FIRE
channels. Furring channels 25mm RATED
600mm O.C., attached with 18 PANELS
gauge wire ties open web 35mm x 22mm
-M aximum glass area: 0.83 sq.m
125mm
aximum glass area 0. 063 sq.m -Flush Metal Door
steel joists 600mm O.C. min
WIRE MESH ANGLE -- For openings in walls or partitions - mm thk Wire glass in a steel frame - o Glass Permitted
RUNNER
supporting rib metal lath on 28 CORNER
between rooms and corridors having a fire -For openings in enclosures of vertical N
-3mm clearance at jambs
resistance rating of 1 hour or less
gauge corrugated steel and REINFORCEMENT
communicationsthrough buildings and in
2-hour rated partitions providing horizontal
-10mm clearance at non-combustinle floor

62mm concrete slab. fire separations

-For openings in fire walls or walls that
divide a single building into fire areas
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PrincipFlieres Containment4 Principles Fire Control5

Basic Basic
Load Bearing Capacity, Integrity Definition and Implication
and Insulation
2
Covers those devices and systems which aid
Integrity
firefighters in actively extinguishing the fire and
Load Bearing Capacity Insulation
bringing it to an end earlier than a free-burning fire.
Collapse or Passage of Temperature
excessive flame increase
deflection
Access Road

Structural Performance: Ability to resist the *Insulated building elements will

Building still stands
during an emergency
Ability to carry load
without collapsing
development of crackor
perforations so as not
to allow passage of
smoke and flame
not ignite in fire and will ensure
passage of human beings without
damage on the other side of the ensure that all areas inside
separating element.
and outside the building
Ability to prevent heat transfer are covered by reach of
from one face to the other face.
access road for firetrucks the firehose

Principles Fire Control5 Principles Fire Control5

Basic Basic
Site Access for Fire Control8:
L T-TURN
Firetrucks
Aerial Apparatus
Specifications:
R

CUL-
CUL-DE-SAC

W
Fire apparatus should have
unobstructed access to
buildings.
Bollards and fences used for traffic
control must allow for sufficient
open road width for fire truck
30m> DEAD END
Prevent time-consuming, hazardous
back-ups at dead-ends by using T-
turns and cul-de-sacs
30 m.

25 m.

20 m.
MAX. 90 METERS
75 (safe 75 75
FIRE HYDRANT angle)
0.3m
0
SIAMESE
CONNECTION

Place hydrants at max. 3 meters Hydrant must be 8.5 m. 6.7 m. 5.6 m.

Utility poles, kiosks, sculpture,
from curb. Siamese connection unobstructed; Fire hose fountains, plant boxes can impede Approx. 10 storeys Approx. 8-9 storeys Approx. 6-7 storeys
to standpipes must be visible connection should be at fire rescue operations
and within 60m from hydrant least 0.3m above grade

Principles Fire Control5 PrincipleSsmoke Control6

Basic Basic
Concept of the Firefighting Shaft Definition and Techniques
2

Provides access to a building, especially in high Measures which can assist to some extent
rise buildings, for fire brigades. occupants in the fire zone but are particularly
needed for others in adjacent areas or
Is fully-equipped with firefighting equipment,
Elevator
compartments.
Wet and
Wet and Dry
shaft
service elevator, stair and lobby. Risers
Venting
Techniques of Smoke
Provides a sufficiently secure operating base Control
and a rest area in between firefighting Extraction of Smoke
operations. Ceiling Reservoir a. SMOKE CONTAINMENT/
BARRIER technique of
Fire-rated
Smoke Plume restricting the movement of
doors
smoke by the provision of fire
resisting elements.
Shop

b. SMOKE DISPERSAL
Mall
Smoke Barrier technique of clearing smoke
locally by provision of natural
Make Up Air cross-ventilation or mechanical
venting.
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PrincipleSsmoke Control6
Basic Basic
PrincipEslecaspe
Definition and Techniques
c. PRESSURIZATION technique whereby air is blown into
2
Provisions
Definition
7
Cover a range of passive or active systems which
spaces which are designed to be kept clear of smoke. permit the occupants to move or be moved to a
place of safety within or to the outside of a building.
Uses barriers including
High
Pressure
walls, floors and CORRIDOR SYSTEM:
doors, to contain Low
direct, not tortuous
pressurized air
Pressure
simple lay-out
generated by no barriers, cul-de-sacs, bottlenecks
mechanical means to doors open out, not in
keep smoke away easily detectible, not hidden from view
from protected areas
such as escape FIRE ESCAPE:
fire escape stairs designed to be used daily for familiarity
staircases and of escape route
corridors. well-maintained (not used as storage of junk)

BasicPrincip le s BasicPrincip le s
Es ca pe Es ca pe

Provisions
To provide safety,
Protected Escape Routes
This can be
7 1

Escape Route Leading to:

Provisions 7
Alternative Means of Escape
1

the routes must achieved by: Protected Escape Place of Place of

be properly Route Safety Safety
- Compartmentation
protected from Place of Safety Place of Safety

the effects of fire - Fire resistance of exit courtyard

a. Protected Escape Route
and smoke for an escape route
structure
acceptable time Protected Lobby Alternative
period, usually a - Use of smoke Means of Escape
minimum of 60
Place of Safety subcomp-
control systems to compart-
-Doors should be as far ment artment subcomp-
keep smoke out of
minutes.
Pla ce of Safety artment
as possible from each
escape routes b. Protected Lobby other; preferably on
Access through
courtyard
opposite walls
Protected escape routes are designed in such a Stairway
-Both doors should not Courtyards
Enclosure open into the same subcomp-
way that they lead to a place of safety, and once Place of Safety
compartment subcomp-
sub artment
inside the occupants are safe from the Place of Safety artment
immediate danger from fire and smoke.
c. Protected Stairway Enclosure

BasicPrincip le s Basic
Es ca pe PrincipEslecaspe
Provisions
Design of Fire Resisting Doors
7 1
Provisions 7
Primary Considerations in the
Design for FIRE Safety
of Hospitals1
Ad
Additional width to
allo for door
allow
swing

Reqd.

1. The presence of patients with various degrees

width of
escape
route of dependency and immobility on one hand
and the constant presence of staff on the
other.

2. It is assumed that there should be no reliance

Design
width
on external; rescue or such manipulative types
90 min 90 min of escape appliances as chutes or fire ladders.
Design

3. The staff would be fully responsible in

width

assisting patients within their area of control

to a place of safety in an emergency.
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BasicPrincip le s
Es ca pe

Provisions 7
Progressive Horizontal Evacuation
1

FIRE SAFETY
PRINCIPLES

END